Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is a crisp and delicious appetizer. The golden brown color and rich taste of Parmesan cheese turn this once-simple vegetable into a tantalizing treat you won't be able to resist.

Why You'll Love This Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Crispy and Flavorful- Parmesan cheese and seasonings give this roasted cauliflower an irresistible crunch while making it flavorful enough to stand out.

30-Minute Recipe- Ready in just 30 minutes, this Parmesan roasted cauliflower is perfect for busy weeknights.

Only 6 Ingredients- These roasted vegetables can be made with just 6 ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home!

What Is Roasted Cauliflower?

Roasted cauliflower is a simple yet delicious side dish. It's made by roasting cauliflower florets in the oven until golden brown and lightly crispy. Adding Parmesan cheese, seasonings, and chili flakes gives it an extra zing that will have your guests asking for more. Plus, the cauliflower florets are a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet.

Equipment Needed

• Oven
• Baking Sheet or Sheet Pan
• Parchment Paper
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Small Bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

Cauliflower- We usually think of cauliflower as a bland, boring vegetable, but it's packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, this recipe is absolutely amazing! You'll need a whole head of cauliflower for this recipe.

Parmesan Cheese- It is super important that you use freshly grated parmesan cheese to get the best flavor.

Chili Flakes- These add a little heat to the fresh cauliflower but can be omitted.

Garlic Powder- The most iconic of Italian seasonings. I can't think of a parmesan without garlic!

Kosher Salt- You only need a little, as parmesan cheese already adds a ton of salty flavor. You can add black pepper if you like, but I do not find it necessary.

Fresh Parsley- Adds color and freshness to this Italian -inspired dish!

Non-Stick Cooking Spray- You need to use oil on your sheet pan to ensure your cauliflower doesn't stick. Olive oil can be used if you don't have any cooking spray. Drizzling a little olive oil on your cauliflower will make it more crispy and golden.

How To Make Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

To begin, heat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Next, grate the parmesan cheese.

Now, to prepare the cauliflower, first remove the core and cut the head into small florets. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and coat them with cooking spray or olive oil. Make sure to spread them out in an even layer to cook evenly.

Now, prep your cauliflower. Using a cutting board, remove the core of your cauliflower. Then, chop the whole head into bite-sized florets. Scatter the florets on a baking sheet evenly, coating them with cooking spray or olive oil.

Mix chili, garlic powder, and salt together on a plate or in a small bowl. Once evenly mixed, sprinkle the mixture over your cauliflower florets.

Then, top the mix with the finely grated parmesan cheese making sure they are evenly coated.

To ensure even browning and prevent sticking, it's recommended to stir your cauliflower after about 15 minutes of baking and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, for a total baking time of 25-30 minutes.

Your vegetables should be cooked until the florets are tender and have turned a golden color.

Serve your Parmesan roasted cauliflower in a large bowl garnished with parsley. Eat it as an appetizer with your favorite dip or alongside an awesome main course.

Popular Substitutions And Additions

You can make this roasted cauliflower recipe your own and customize it to your taste. There are plenty of ways to get creative with the ingredients:

• Substitute chili flakes with red pepper flakes to give it a bit of heat.

• Add other spices like grated garlic cloves, onion powder, or smoked paprika for added flavor.

• Swap out the Parmesan cheese with Gruyere for a more savory flavor.

• Use white wine instead of cooking spray to give the cauliflower a more flavorful glaze.

• Top your roasted cauliflower with dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a more robust flavor.

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest to give the roasted cauliflower an extra zesty kick.

No matter how you customize this recipe, the whole family will love roasted cauliflower!

Can I Freeze This Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this recipe. To do so, cool the cauliflower completely before transferring it into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to reheat, pop the frozen cauliflower in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy. Eating roasted cauliflower within 3 months is best for optimal flavor and texture.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower FAQs

Will this recipe work in an air fryer instead of an oven?

Yes! To make Parmesan roasted cauliflower in an air fryer, preheat your device to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the florets in the basket and set the timer for 10 minutes. Halfway through, open the air fryer and shake the basket before closing it back up and cooking for the remaining time.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower for this recipe. However, it must be thawed and drained before adding the seasonings and Parmesan cheese. Then, roast it in the oven for 30-40 minutes until it's hot and golden brown. Keep in mind that frozen cauliflower won't be as crispy as fresh.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover Parmesan roasted cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The texture and flavor of the roasted cauliflower diminish the longer it sits, so it's best to enjoy any leftovers within one day. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until it's hot and crisp.

Can I use other kinds of cheese for oven-roasted cauliflower?

Yes, you can! You can swap the grated parmesan cheese with Gruyere, Romano, or any other type of cheese that you like. Just freshly grate it for the best flavor and texture.